Hormonal fun From the Greek language, the word "hormone" is translated as "transmitting", "inciting to something." Hormones were discovered in 1902 by English physiologists, professors at the University of London William Maddock Bayliss and Ernest Henry Starling. More

Negative feedback regulation and hormonal influences on behavior If a hormone inhibits the activity of the centers that stimulate its synthesis and secretion, such Feedback called negative. If an increase in hormone secretion leads to

7.4. Some hormonal effects with experimental and clinical disorders small intestine In the early 80s, many publications appeared in which it was reported that the transition from a hungry state to a full one is accompanied by a change in the level of a number of intestinal and other

Gender is a combination of genetic, morphological and physiological characteristics that provide sexual reproduction organisms. In the most broad sense sex is a complex of reproductive, somatic and social characteristics defining an individual as a male or female organism. The sex of the unborn child is determined at the moment of conception: if a sperm cell carrying the female chromosome connects with the female germ cell, a girl is conceived, but if the sperm cell carries the male chromosome, a boy is conceived. Separate sex is the very first, most obligatory and most global phenomenon of human sexuality. The division of human beings into males and females presupposes for each individual a complete correspondence anatomical structure genital organs, male and female proportions of the body (height, the ratio of the width of the shoulders and pelvis, the severity and distribution of the subcutaneous fat layer, etc.), sexual self-awareness (i.e. feeling like a representative of a certain sex) and, finally, an adequate orientation of the sexual attraction and the presence of appropriate stereotypes of sexual behavior. The absolute norm implies an unambiguous orientation of all components of the listed genus without a single exception, however, in sexological practice, there is an extreme variability in the composition of the human population, which served as the basis for identifying and considering such absolutely independent categories and concepts like transvestism, transsexualism, heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality.

Such a variety of gender manifestations is determined by the complexity of the mechanisms of its determination, which are based on a system of hierarchical relations, covering a range from genetic influences to the psychological choice of a sexual partner.

The formation of this system begins with the determination of the genetic sex, determined by the set of sex chromosomes. Genetic sex, in turn, determines the gonadal (or real) sex, identified by the main indicator of gender - histological structure sex gland. It is called true because, by determining the gamete sex, i.e. the ability of the gonad to form spermatozoa or eggs, gonads thereby reveal the role of this individual in the process of reproduction. Along with this, the gonadal sex also determines the hormonal sex, i.e. the ability of the gonad to secrete specific sex hormones. Level and dominant focus hormonal effects determine the morphological (or somatic) sex (phenotype) of the subject, i.e. the structure and development of his internal and external genital organs, including manifestations of secondary sexual characteristics. Socio-psychological impact on gender individual begins with civil (obstetric), i.e. determined by another person, gender. Civil sex determines the gender of upbringing (from the choice of clothing, hairstyles and games to the use of punishments for inappropriate sexual behavior), thereby forming sexual identity, which in turn determines the sexual role played by the individual, primarily the selection of a partner.

Of particular interest is the sex ratio, which is not expressed by the expected statistical ratio of 1:1. Most scholars agree that male conceptions more than women. cited by various authors data range from 180 to 120 male conceptions per 100 female conceptions. With the secondary sex ratio at birth in most countries, per 1,000,000 births, the number of boys exceeds 510,000, while girls are fewer - 490,000. In the early 1980s, all over the world, men accounted for 50.2 percent of the population, women 49.8 percent (in the USSR, respectively, 47 percent and 53 percent in 1987). It should be remembered that, however, often the words "sex" and "sex" are identified, however, they have different meaning. The term "sex" is used in relation to phenomena associated with the differentiation and difference between men and women, while the term "sex" refers to personality, psychological characteristics relationships and erotic feelings.

Many authors use the terms sex and gender interchangeably. However, each of these terms has its own specific meaning. Gender indicates our biological affiliation to the number of men or women. Biological sex is characterized by two aspects: genetic sex, which is determined by our sex chromosomes, and anatomical sex, which includes the obvious physical differences between men and women. The concept of gender encompasses a range of specific psychosocial meanings that complement the concept of biological masculinity and femininity. Thus, if our sex is determined by various physical attributes (chromosomes, the presence of a penis or vulva, etc.), then our gender includes the psychological and sociocultural characteristics associated with our sex. In other words, our gender characterizes our "masculinity" or "femininity". In this chapter, we will use the terms masculinity (masculinity) and femininity (femininity) to characterize forms of behavior that are typical for men or for women. One of the undesirable aspects of using such labels is that they can limit the range of behaviors that people feel comfortable exhibiting. So, a man may refrain from showing concern, fearing to seem effeminate, and a woman may avoid confident behavior for fear of looking like a man. It is not our intention to reinforce the stereotypes associated with such labels. However, we consider it necessary to use these terms when discussing gender issues.
Gender - Biological belonging to a community of men or women.
Gender - Psychosocial and sociocultural characteristics associated with our gender.
When we meet people for the first time, we immediately pay attention to their gender and, based on their gender, make assumptions about their most likely behavior. In other words, we make gender assumptions. For most people, gender assumptions are important element everyday social contacts. We categorize people into either our gender or the other gender. (We avoid the term opposite sex because we think its use exaggerates the differences between men and women.) Many of us have difficulty communicating with people whose gender we are not entirely sure. Not being convinced that we correctly identified the gender of our interlocutor, we experience confusion and awkwardness.
gender assumptions. Assumptions about the most likely behavior of people that we make based on their gender.

Gender identity and gender roles

Gender identity refers to a person's subjective sense of belonging to the male or female sex. Most people already during the first years of life begin to realize themselves as representatives of the male or female sex. However, there is no guarantee that a person's gender identity will match their biological sex. Thus, some people experience considerable discomfort when trying to identify themselves as a man or a woman. We will consider this issue in more detail below.
gender identity. Psychological sensation yourself as a man or a woman.
The term gender role (sometimes the term gender role is used) denotes a set of attitudes and forms of behavior that are considered normal and acceptable (adequate) for representatives of one sex or another in a particular culture. Gender roles form in people the behavioral expectations associated with their gender, which they must justify. Behavior that is considered socially acceptable for a man is called masculine, and for a woman - feminine. In the following discussion, using the terms masculine and feminine, we will have in mind precisely these socialized representations.
Gender role - A set of attitudes and behaviors that are considered normal and acceptable in a certain culture for representatives of one sex or another.
Gender-role expectations are culturally determined and vary from one society to another. So, in Chambuli society, manifestations of emotionality on the part of men are considered quite normal. American society, on the other hand, has somewhat different views on this issue. Kissing on the cheek is considered a feminine form of behavior and is therefore viewed as unacceptable between men in American society. At the same time, such behavior does not contradict male role expectations in many European and Eastern cultures.
In addition to the characteristics of culture, our ideas about "masculinity" and "femininity" are also determined by historical era, in the context of which the relevant forms of behavior are considered. So, if in an American family of the 50s, the father stayed at home and took care of his children preschool age while his wife was on business trips, his behavior would probably have been the cause of extreme surprise, if not ridicule. Today, young couples are much more likely to share household chores among themselves. They come from practical considerations rather than preconceived ideas about how men and women “should” behave. Modern stage development of our society, more than any other period of its history, is a period of revision of male and female roles. Many of those who were brought up under the influence of rigid gender-role stereotypes are now experiencing the consequences of their upbringing and are striving to free themselves from its restraining mechanisms. The fact that we are participating in this historical process can cause us both admiration and confusion. Later in this chapter (and later chapters of this book) we will discuss the impact of both traditional and new gender roles. But first, let's look at the process by which our gender identity is formed.

Formation of gender identity

Like the color of our hair and eyes, gender is a part of our identity that most people take for granted. Indeed, gender identity is usually, though not always, "a natural addition" to certain biological organs that we have. However, gender identity is not limited to having the appearance of a man or a woman. As we shall soon see, there are two answers to the question of how we begin to think of ourselves as a man or as a woman. The first explanation boils down to biological processes that come into play shortly after conception and are completed before the moment of birth. The second explanation is based on the theory social learning, which examines the cultural influences that affect us during early childhood. This theory explains both the characteristics of our gender identity and the personal significance for us of our belonging to the male or female sex. But we'll start by looking at biological processes involved in the formation of gender identity.

Personality can be viewed as a collection of all possible individual characteristics, socially significant features, identifying a person as a member of society and characterizing his personal qualities. At this point, the average person begins to get confused in terms, believing that gender identity is exclusively a sexual orientation, and if it differs from the generally accepted one, then it must certainly be corrected. In fact, everything is somewhat more complicated, and many people are surprised to find features of the opposite gender in themselves, recognizing this as completely normal.

Determining a person's gender identity

First of all, it is worth noting that gender is not sex, but a set of characteristics that complement sexual self-determination. Therefore, gender is called male and female, and gender, respectively, is masculine and feminine. There is no doubt about gender: it is determined physiological signs, a set of chromosomes and the corresponding type of genitals, while gender identity is a characteristic that is not tied to biological characteristics.

To put it simply, it is gender that is responsible for the realization of “real women” and “real men”. According to standard stereotypical reasoning, a representative of each sex must correspond to some ideal ideas of society about themselves. A woman must be fragile, beautiful, sexually attractive, interested in purely raising children and maintaining household, and a man is traditionally presented as a breadwinner, a breadwinner, a warrior and even a master, the presence of a “correct” appearance is mandatory. Where in each individual person Is there such a perception of gender?

Congenital or acquired?

Proponents of the theory of "biology as destiny" insist on the innateness of all necessary gender traits in every child. Any deviation from the template is perceived as a perversion or disease. However, the formation of gender identity largely depends on the society, and even if the child is brought up exclusively in the family, he sees the appropriate behavior of parents and other relatives.

If parents are disappointed that a child was born not of the sex that was dreamed of, a semi-conscious desire may appear to “remake” the offspring according to the pattern that has developed in dreams. Such cases are observed not only in fiction but also in real life. The formation of gender identity occurs under pressure, and more often girls are brought up as boys than vice versa. This is largely due to the prevailing attitude in our society that a real man must have a son. The absence of a child of the right sex encourages fathers and mothers to sublimate, adjusting the “failed offspring” to some speculative model.

Childhood through the prism of gender

AT early childhood babies are not aware of either sex or gender, only by the age of two they absorb the differences between boys and girls. A sudden opening is the presence or absence of a penis. What follows is a parental explanation of why skirts and bows can only be worn if there is no penis, but play with cars and pistols if one is. Of course, the gender identity of a child always relies on signals of approval or reprimand received from the outside, and is fixed at a subconscious level. It has been noticed that already kindergarten kids broadcast absorbed attitudes to their peers, and even toys are sometimes chosen not according to their own preferences, but according to the principle of correctness for their gender.

Why, then, does the gender identity of adolescents begin to “fail”? puberty is marked not only by obvious changes in physique. An active search for oneself begins, the formation of a personality, and this requires questioning authoritative opinions. The reproachful remark “you are a girl” or “you are a boy”, calling for a certain gender model, causes quite natural opposition. In fairness, it should be noted that parents, in their desire to raise the “right” child at all costs, go to ridiculous extremes. For example, they forbid their son to engage in dancing or music, believing this to be exclusively non-manly activities.

Types of gender identity

According to biological norms, people are strictly divided into two sexes - male and female. Any deviations in this area are due to a genetic failure. To a certain extent, this can be corrected by modern medical methods. Further, exclusively social and cultural characteristics begin, which may differ depending on the country and local traditions. The so-called "third sex" - hermaphrodites (with the biological presence of sexual characteristics of both sexes) and people with a non-traditional gender identity, is legally recognized in only ten countries: Canada, Australia, Great Britain, with some reservations Germany, New Zealand, Pakistan, Thailand, India, Nepal and Bangladesh. A few more countries recognize the existence of the third gender as a cultural tradition, but from the point of view of legislation, this is a kind of twilight side of life, which they prefer not to focus on.

Initially, two gender types were distinguished: masculine, inherent in men, and feminine, corresponding to the female sex. The androgynous type, which appeared officially in the relatively recent past, is a kind of “arithmetic mean” between the main two gender types. Anthropologists and sociologists also distinguish bigenders, transgenders, gender queers and agenders into separate categories. Perhaps this is a desire to push the generally accepted boundaries to their complete disappearance and bring gender tolerance to an unattainable absolute. In ordinary life, a few terms are enough without going into details.

Masculinity

Masculine gender identity is a combination of an accentuated male physique and the fulfillment of a male social role, as well as corresponding character traits, habits, addictions and behavior. In addition to unambiguously positive characteristics, aggression is considered the norm for masculinity. In other words, when a crying boy is told to “be a man”, what is meant is the requirement to conform to the pattern according to which men do not cry, since this is an exclusively female privilege.

femininity

Feminine gender identity is the opposite of masculine, a combination of a feminine physique and a traditional female social role, including some ideal "feminine" character traits, habits and inclinations. Interestingly, in society, literally everything is perceived through a gender prism, starting with the color of a baby's sliders.

If you put pink tights on a boy, a significant part of adults will either confuse him with a girl, or will be indignant that his parents want to raise a girl out of him. A visual signal of feminine identity is clothing styles or colors appropriate for the female gender. A masculine man will have to prove the right to wear a bright flowered shirt with his fists. Fortunately, fashion from time to time insists on absolute tolerance and the destruction of gender barriers in the choice of clothing.

Androgyny

Interestingly, androgyny itself has existed at all times, but was considered somewhat reprehensible, as if this feature of gender identity is the androgyne's malicious desire to mislead others. Basically, androgyny relies on visual cues - if a person does not have a pronounced masculinity or femininity, it is difficult to determine at a glance whether the girl in front of you or the young man. The disguise is exacerbated by unisex clothing and behavior.

A striking example is Brune, the heroine from the story of the Strugatsky brothers "Hotel" At the Dead Climber, "who was presented as "the child of the late brother du Barnstocre." Brun's behavior and appearance did not allow to determine what, in fact, the gender of this creature, so they wrote about her in the middle gender, until it turned out that this was really a girl.

Gender and sexual orientation

Contrary to popular misconception, the concept of gender identity is completely unrelated to sexual orientation. In other words, a feminine man of a completely non-brutal appearance is not necessarily a homosexual, and a short-haired bodybuilder in camouflage does not show lesbian inclinations.

The concept of gender is primarily associated with behavior and social role and only indirectly relies on sexuality. Thus, attempts to stop “wrong sexuality” by pressure on the visual component of gender identity do not bring any result. At the same time, the possibility of a complex influence should not be discounted. external factors to the development of sexuality. Sexologists argue that the orientation crystallizes gradually, each person goes through a unique path of becoming a person, including intimate preferences.

Who are bigenders and transgenders

Bigenderness can be considered one of the options for winning gender tolerance in a single individual's head. If a person takes on certain social functions without passing them through the analysis of stereotypes, we get a fairly harmonious and self-sufficient personality. In the confrontation, gender in bigenders wins expediency and skillful application of talents and inclinations. A man can take on a female social role without considering himself a victim of circumstances, a woman also copes well with a male role. AT modern world the gender framework has been somewhat erased, the textbook “hunting for a mammoth” is increasingly moving from physical work in brainwork, and not the owner of muscles and excess testosterone becomes a skilled earner, but an individual with a high degree of intelligence. The gender of the earner does not play a role in this matter.

Another issue, if there is transgenderness, is the discrepancy between biological and gender self-perception. In a simplistic way, a transgender man can be called a man who prefers a female social role, including some visual attributes. If he really feels like a woman "to the marrow of his bones", and physical body does not correspond to self-determination, then we are talking about transsexuality. In a gender sense, this is not a man. A man thinks like a woman, feels and perceives the world and himself exclusively from a feminine position. In this case, it is recommended to correct the discrepancy between the biological sex through a transgender transition. However, not all people who have changed their biological sex feel like transsexuals. This is a rather confusing situation in which there are many individual solutions.

Sexism as a catalyst for gender dysphoria

If the formation of gender identity occurred with a mismatch in biological parameters, this is called This concept includes all gender identity disorders that are in the project International classification diseases tentatively from 2018 (ICD 11) were transferred from the section of psychiatric disorders to the category of sexology. This state can be superficial and deep, depending on the degree of rejection of one's own biological sex.

Sociologists and sexologists note that manifestations of sexism can aggravate minor gender dysphoria, especially if they fall on a child or teenager. For example, machismo, as a radical and aggressive form of the masculine model, can demonstrate outright misogyny - the idea that everything inherent in women is flawed is transmitted to the surrounding space. Being a woman is shameful, and being like a woman is even worse. Sexist language may lead a child to logical chain: "I do not want to be a despised object, it is beautiful to be a man, ashamed to be a woman." The same principle works in the opposite direction: if a boy's environment is dominated by derogatory characteristics of men, he subconsciously begins to desire to belong to the "privileged" category of humanity. The biological sex interferes with this, a gender identity disorder develops.

Contrary to the worries of adherents of the traditional model of a patriarchal society, gender tolerance does not lead to chaos and the loss of social and cultural guidelines. On the contrary, the absence of radical sexism and aggression reduces tension in society, reduces the likelihood of developing dysphoria and contributes to the growth of each individual personality.

Does your son show interest in cosmetics and clothes for girls?
When these behaviors show up in middle teens, parents often become anxious and have many questions: Is my child's behavior abnormal? Should I try to change it? Does my child need professional help?
In fact, some gender differences begin to develop long before middle adolescence. A child's awareness of his gender - whether it be a boy or a girl - comes already in the first year of life. Often this begins as early as 8-10 months of age, when the baby first discovers his genitals. Thereafter, between the ages of one and two, children come to understand the physical differences between boys and girls; up to three years, as the child acquires a certain idea of ​​\u200b\u200bhimself, he can already firmly say whether he is a boy or a girl. By the age of four, the definition of a child distinctive features his gender becomes stable, and he knows for sure that he will always be a boy or a girl.
At the same time, children learn the distinctive features of the behavior of people of one sex or another - they do things "that boys should do" or "that girls should do." Even before the age of three, children are able to distinguish between toys that are usually identified with boys or girls (cars or dolls). By the age of three, they already know more about the activities, interests and activities of boys and girls; many of them begin to play with children of the same sex. You must have noticed that your daughter prefers to play with dolls, bake pies and play house. And the son, on the contrary, plays more energetic and active games, shows interest in toy soldiers and cars. Such distinctive behaviors, including the toys children play with and the games they participate in, depend on how the child is raised and what expectations are placed on him.
Average adolescence Gender differences continue to be strongly manifested not only in the child's preference to play with children of the same sex, but also in his desire to behave, look and have things the same as his peers of the same sex. During this period, you will notice how your child expresses his gender with the help of the behavioral characteristics of a particular sex (and they began to appear already in the preschool years):

1. Through his or her toys, choice of games, homework, and family roles. More often than not, boys prefer to play 'boy-typical' games with masculine characteristics, while girls prefer 'girl-typical' games with feminine characteristics.
2. Through behavior in society, which reflects the degree of aggressiveness, dominance, submission and softness of character.
3. Through the manner and way of expressing behavioral and physical gestures and facial expressions, as well as other non-verbal actions that are characteristic of men or women.
4. Through social relationships, including the gender of the friends the child chooses and the people he tries to imitate. AT primary school children continue to be more influenced by other children of the same sex: boys play more with boys and girls with girls. In the early school years, boys often express a strong dislike for girls and vice versa - this probably serves as a means of strengthening their personal differences.

The behavior of a child with a clear manifestation of the distinctive features of his gender is most likely strongly conditioned by his identification with the men and women who are present in his life. All children get character traits men and women who surround them, incorporating these characteristics into their own individual characteristics and value systems. In addition, they are influenced by the heroes of television programs and sports events as well as adults taking part in other activities of their lives. After some time, the combined action of all these influences may be decisive for the consolidation of many masculine or feminine qualities. Probably the most significant factor is the subtlety of each child's relationship with his/her father and mother, as well as the characteristics of the parents' behavior towards each other and towards the child, which influence his or her expression of behavior peculiar to his/her gender.

Stereotypes of child sexual behavior

stereotypes characteristic features male and female behavior occupy a strong place in our society, and when the inclinations and interests of the child differ from the accepted forms of behavior, he is often ridiculed and discriminated against.
As a parent, you are understandably concerned about how your teen is received by society. You try to teach him how to behave in society so that he can choose right action, being a member of this culture, even if in some cases they are contrary to his interests and abilities. Nevertheless, you should correctly assess your good intentions aimed at subordinating him to certain norms, and do not forget that the child should feel comfortable and be in harmony with himself. Even if he does not fit the stereotypes - for example, if your son does not show much success in sports or is absolutely not interested in them - there are always many different opportunities and areas for the manifestation of abilities. Every child has their own strengths and weak sides, and in some cases they may not meet the expectations of the surrounding society or itself. Nevertheless, they can still serve as a source of his present and future success and confidence.
Note, not without irony, that stereotypes evolve over time. Over the past few decades, there has been a wave of ongoing changes in gender roles and behavior. Today, women are expected to display more self-confidence and “feminism” than their mothers and grandmothers did. Society expects men to show gentleness, more compassion, and a more "feminist" stance.
Thus, do not try to force your child to conform to this moment or traditional forms of sexual behavior, but instead help him develop his own unique potential. Do not give too much attention and concern to whether the interests and strengths child social roles defined by society at the moment. Give him the opportunity to express himself in his own way.

When there is a mixture of distinctive features of the sexes

At times, children experience a mixture of gender roles. For example, boys not only stop showing interest in sports, but also identify themselves with the female gender. In the same way, some girls show more masculine traits in themselves.
As a result of the emergence of contradictions in gender identity, children may deny the difference between the sexes. Instead of learning to accept himself for who he really is, the child may express dislike for the part of himself that makes him a boy or a girl.
In the most extreme cases a boy may act more feminine and exhibit one of the following characteristics.

• He wants to be a girl.
• He wants to grow up to be a woman.
• He takes an increased interest in female childbirth activities, including playing with dolls or playing as a girl or woman.
• He shows an increased interest in cosmetics, jewelry or girls' clothes, and likes to wear girls' clothes.
• His favorite friends are girls.
• On rare occasions, he may wear clothes of the opposite sex and actually consider himself a girl.

Boys with feminine traits are sometimes ridiculed, teased by their peers as homosexuals, and avoided. This rejection of the boy can only intensify as he grows up. As a result, boys withdraw into themselves, become insecure or depressed, and begin to struggle with their self-esteem and social relationships.
On the other hand, girls who identify with boys are called tomboys. As a rule, they face less ridicule and difficulties in relationships with peers than effeminate boys. For many girls, some mischief is a natural course of action aimed at developing a healthy teenage sex identity. However, in rare cases, girls show the following characteristics.

• They express a desire to be a boy.
• They prefer to be friends and communicate with boys.
• When playing with fictional characters and events, they prefer male roles.

These characteristic features are the cause of the emergence of contradictions or mixing of the sexes and relationships with peers of the same sex. Likely Causes these variations are hypothetical and contradictory. The results of the research prove that a certain role in mixing the characteristics of the sexes is played by biological factors and social skills.
The influence of family and parents can also contribute to the mixing of the sexes. Research family relations show that effeminate boys have a very close relationship with their mothers and a cold relationship with their fathers. Research findings suggest that the mothers of some effeminate boys themselves promote and support the "feminine" occupations of their sons.
Parents of such children often ask if the mixing of behavior will affect sexual preferences and orientation later, that is, whether their child will become homosexual. Long-term research suggests that some (but by no means all) effeminate boys and tomboy girls actually become bisexual or homosexual in later adolescence and adulthood.

What to do?

If your mid-teens are showing disruption and gender confusion, talk to him or her directly about the behavior of boys and girls, men and women. For example, talk to your child about characteristic mannerisms or behaviors that might elicit reactions from others, and work with him or her to identify more appropriate action. Empathetic dialogue can help your child better understand their behavior and why it elicits such a reaction from their peers. If you support your child, it will strengthen his self-esteem and help him withstand the pressures from peers and society that he has to face.
In addition to your own efforts, talk to your pediatrician, who may advise you to seek advice from child psychiatrist or a psychologist to help a teenager overcome adolescent sexual confusion and internal conflict. Consultation of a specialist in the field mental health may be required if there are questions in the identification of the sexes, especially if at least one of the following points is present:

• the child refuses to accept his biological sex;
• the child plays with children of the opposite sex only;
• at school, the child is socially isolated and/or teased or ridiculed by peers.

professional intervention on early stage can help a child with signs of sexual mixing. However, there is too little evidence that psychological intervention can actually have an impact on gender identity in middle adolescence.
Our society continues to move towards breaking down many of the stereotypes that define and limit our behavior, creating an atmosphere of greater gender equality and balance. The need or desire to receive professional help should be due only to some extent to a certain discomfort within the family - much more to the social discomfort of the child himself.

Child's sexual orientation

A child's sexual orientation is an area that may be of concern to some parents. The interests and behavior of a child in middle adolescence may be of concern to mothers and fathers regarding existing probability that their child is homosexual. They may punish the child for no reason or seek professional help to ensure that their child becomes heterosexual.
However, this is a time when approval and support are paramount for a child. The physical and emotional attraction of a person to persons of the same or opposite sex is a biological phenomenon. Some recent research suggests that the brain of a homosexual man - especially the amount of tissue in the hypothalamus - differs from that of a heterosexual man. Only in rare cases, if they can happen at all, is sexual orientation due to personal experience and the environment.
Your child's sexual orientation will actually become firmly established by middle age. But since there is practically no way to test and reveal sexual orientation, it can go unnoticed by the rest of the family until adolescence and beyond. In the meantime, remember that many children try various forms relationships with their peers, which can be confused with a heterosexual or homosexual orientation.
The biggest challenge for gay children and parents is the social pressure to behave heterosexually and the discrimination they are likely to face because of their sexual orientation. This can lead to isolation from peers and even family, which will greatly affect their self-esteem and self-confidence. A significant part of the attempts teenage suicide associated with issues of mixing the sexes and the conscious rejection of a young man or girl with a homosexual orientation.
Sexual orientation cannot be changed. The heterosexuality or homosexuality of the child is firmly rooted, being part of it. The most important role you as a parent is to show your child your understanding, respect and support. A nonjudgmental approach will allow you to gain the child's trust and better position thanks to which you can help him cope with this difficult period of his life. You must provide your child with your help and support, regardless of his sexual orientation.